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How 16 Comprehensive Level II Energy Audits Yielded $320,000 in Annual Energy Savings: A Case Study of the Housing Development Corporation |
With the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) of Lancaster, PA recognizing the need for a thorough analysis of energy usage and savings opportunities in multifamily housing, HDC came to Envinity to complete 16 of its 19 comprehensive Level II energy audits through PHFA’s Smart Rehab program – just over 10% of all energy audits completed through the statewide program. Most multifamily housing facilities receive only Level I, “clipboard” style energy audits, but the comprehensive Level II energy audits gave HDC an in-depth and campus-wide study of how they could save on their own annual energy costs, provide energy efficient equipment for their tenants’ benefit, and offset 18%-28% of HDC’s electricity usage with renewable, solar-generated electricity. Envinity identified the common “low hanging fruit” including: installing programmable thermostats, switching all incandescents for CFLs, installing low-flow aerators in sinks and showers, replacing old refrigerators, and implementing lighting upgrades in the common areas. But the Level II audits took it one step further to provide a comprehensive look at: high efficiency mechanical upgrades, such as ductless mini split heat pumps, Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, and condensing boilers; building envelope upgrades, such as insulation and air sealing; and renewable energy opportunities, such as solar photovoltaics and solar thermal systems, for a long-term energy management strategy. |
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Buildings at a Glance
Landisville I
A former tobacco warehouse converted into affordable housing for seniors, Landisville I has individual meters for its tenants’ electricity, but a central natural gas boiler that provides heat to the whole building, paid for by HDC. While the building will benefit from the low-hanging fruit of low-flow aerators, programmable thermostats, replacing old refrigerators, and lighting in both the apartments and common spaces, the Level II audit showed HDC and PHFA how higher capital measures, such as added attic insulation and a 95% efficient boiler, were worth the investment – both for HDC and the tenants.
Tabor Place Apartments
At Tabor Place Apartments, the tenants have their own individual HVAC systems and pay their own utilities, with HDC paying only for common space lighting. Taking it one step further, Envinity explored how Tabor Place could install a high efficiency mechanical system, such as ductless mini split heat pumps or a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system, for long-term energy efficiency for the tenants. Additionally, the roof of the building has clear view to the southern sky for solar panels – and is large enough for up to a 100 kW array. With the opportunity for top energy efficient HVAC technology and renewable energy, HDC can implement the low hanging fruit of lighting upgrades, low-flow aerators, and programmable thermostats while planning for the investment of long-term energy solutions.
Vincent Heights
A senior housing facility, Vincent Heights has a single master meter with all utilities paid for by HDC. In addition to saving energy costs through replacing refrigerators, installing new windows, upgrading lighting, and implementing programmable thermostats, HDC can stay well below its projected “do nothing” energy costs ($168,967 by Year 20) over the next 20 years by investing in a 60 kW solar photovoltaic system. Reducing short term energy costs and planning for future energy efficiency upgrades will help keep this facility open for the long-term.
